Below are some terms used in the cruise industry that you may encounter planning for or traveling on your first cruise vacation. Familiarization with these terms will assist you in maximizing your value and experience.

ABOARDOnboard; the opposite of ashore. Used when referring to being or doing something on the ship.

ACCOMMODATIONA guest's stateroom or suite.

ADD ONAn additional charge to the cruise fare that usually refers to airfare, transfers, or land tours.

AFTThe back of the ship.

AIR/SEAA package deal that includes the cruise price, airfare, and transfers to and from the ship.

ASHOREOn land; the opposite of aboard.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCEThe amount of baggage, generally consisting of a guest's personal effects, carried by the cruise line free of charge.

BEAMWidth of the ship at the widest point.

BEARINGCompass direction, usually expressed in degrees, from the ship to a particular destination or objective.

BERTHDock, pier or quay (key); or, the bed or beds within the guests' staterooms.

CABINA guest's stateroom or suite.

CATEGORYThe price level of a stateroom based on location, size, and amenities.

CRUISETOURA full land and sea vacation combining a cruise with a pre- or post-cruise land journey.

DEBARKATIONExiting from the ship.

DECKEach level (floor) of the ship.

DECK PLANAn overhead diagram illustrating stateroom and public area locations.

DEPOSIT(s)A partial payment of the cruise fare required at the time of booking to secure the stateroom being reserved.

DRAFTMeasurement in feet from waterline to lowest point of ship's keel.

EMBARKATIONBoarding the ship.

FATHOMMeasurement of distance equal to six feet.

FINAL PAYMENTPayment of the full cruise fare plus any necessary or agreed extras, such as taxes, air add-on, prior to the issuance of related travel documents.

FIRST SEATINGThe earlier of the two meal times in the ship's main restaurant.

FORWARDToward the fore or bow (front) of the ship.

GANGWAYRamp or stairway between the ship and the shore while the ship is docked.

GRATUITIESThe guest's personal expression of thanks (tips) to the ship's service personnel for services received.

GRTA measurement of enclosed passenger space, including the space in staterooms, lounges, showrooms, and dining rooms. This does not apply to open spaces such as decks and pool areas (unless, of course, they are enclosed).

GUARANTEESThe commitment that a stateroom in the same category as that purchased will be assigned. If one is not available, a stateroom in the next category of greater value will be assigned.

GUEST CRUISE/CRUISETOUR TICKET CONTRACTDetailed terms of responsibility and accountability found in the cruise ticket.

HELMCommonly the ship's steering wheel, but more correctly the entire steering apparatus consisting of the wheel and rudder and their connecting cables or hydraulic systems.

HULLThe outside shell of the ship from the main deck down to the keel.

INSIDE STATEROOMA stateroom that does not have a porthole, window, or balcony.

KNOTThe measurement of the ship's speed. One knot is one nautical mile per hour.

LEEWARDThe side of an island or ship that is sheltered from the wind.

LOWER BEDA single bed placed at the conventional height from the floor.

MIDSHIPIn or toward the middle of the ship; the longitudinal center portion of the ship.

OPEN SEATINGFree access to unoccupied tables in the ship's restaurant, as opposed to specific table assignments.

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMAn outside stateroom with a large porthole or window.

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOM WITH VERANDAAn outside stateroom with a veranda.

PORTThe left side of the ship when facing forward.

PORT CHARGEAn assessment which also includes port taxes, collected by the cruiseline and paid to a local government authority.

PORT-OF-CALLA port at which the ship anchors and guests are allowed to disembark.

PORT TAXA charge levied by local government authority to be paid by the guest. In some air/sea packages, port taxes are included in the final price.

ROLLThe side-to-side movement of the ship.

SAILING TIMEThe actual hour at which the ship is scheduled to clear the dock and sail.

SECOND SEATINGThe later of two meal times in the ship's main restaurant.

SHORE EXCURSIONOff-the-ship tours at ports of call (an extra charge is usually applied).

STARBOARDThe right side of the ship when facing forward.

STATEROOMA guest's room, stateroom, or personal accommodation.

STERNThe back end of the ship.

TENDERA small boat used to transport passengers from the ship to the shore. Tenders are used when the harbor is not deep enough for the ship to dock.

TRANSFERSConveyances between the ship and other modes, such as airports, hotels, or departure points for shore excursions.

UPGRADEA change in stateroom assignment to a higher category.

UPPER BEDA bed similar to a bunk bed often folded or recessed into the wall.

WAIT LISTA cruise line's endeavor to obtain accommodation and dining times for guest requests on a first-come, first-serve basis when current accommodations and dining times are not presently available.

WAKEThe track left in the water at the stern created by a moving ship.

WINDWARDThe side of an island or ship against which the wind is blowing.